Police arrest campaigners in Brussels over gender-critical views

Brussels police have been accused of “state-sanctioned censorship” after arresting two campaigners for holding signs highlighting the harms of transgender ideology.

Chris Elston from Canada — known as @BillboardChris on social media — and Lois McLatchie Miller who works for religious liberty group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) were holding signs saying “Children are never born in the wrong body” and “Children cannot consent to puberty blockers”.

After an “angry mob” gathered, the two phoned the police but were instead taken into custody themselves. Following the arrest, they were strip searched and placed in jail cells, before eventually being released without charge.

‘Abuse of authority’

Chris Elston wrote on X: “My campaign is focused on the POSITIVE message that our children are perfect just as they are, no drugs or scalpels needed. Yes, gender ideology is the root of this evil, but the core focus is on stopping the medical malpractice being done to vulnerable children, resulting in tens of thousands of kids being harmed.”

He called his experience in Brussels an “abuse of authority and state-sanctioned censorship”, stating: “Jailing normal people telling the truth about the medical scandal of our generation will not go unnoticed.”

In Brussels, @BillboardChris and I were arrested for holding signs raising concerns about puberty blockers.

Why does the EU support freedom of expression for some, but not others? pic.twitter.com/m0Pd5odfMZ

— Lois McLatchie Miller (@LoisMcLatch) June 26, 2025

Lois McLatchie Miller told Fox News: “If free speech is not accessible here in Europe’s alleged home of democracy, then it’s not accessible anywhere and it really does raise an alarm bell.”

Safety of children at stake

Paul Coleman, Executive Director of ADF International said: “The Belgian authorities not only failed to uphold the fundamental right to speak freely, they turned the power of the state against those who were peacefully exercising their rights at the behest of a mob.

“This is the type of authoritarianism we challenge in other parts of the world, and it’s deeply disturbing to see it here in the very heart of Europe. While we are grateful our colleague has been safely released, we are deeply concerned by her treatment at the hands of the police in Brussels.”

He added: “We will not stand by while peaceful citizens are criminalised for speaking out on vital issues – especially when it’s the safety and wellbeing of children at stake”.

Free speech victory

Eariler this month, Elston was cleared of an $800 (AUD) fine he was issued for speaking to people while holding a sign stating “children cannot consent to puberty blockers” in Brisbane, Australia, earlier this year.

Brisbane City Council told him that he was obstructing people’s movement, but Elston stated: “It’s clear the problem was the Council’s ignorant bias about my message”.

The Council wrote: “After reviewing the file and giving consideration to the facts and circumstances surrounding this matter, I wish to advise that Infringement Notice 8000030612317 has been withdrawn.” It added: “Please note, any further infringements issued to you for similar offences will be reviewed on their own merits.”

Elston said on X: “It almost sounds like they expect me to come back. And they’re right. I’ll be back. Standing in the same spot. Children Cannot Consent to Puberty Blockers!”